Chess champion Patryk moves up to another level

A NORTHSIDE boy got his new year off to a fantastic start when he won three titles at the 2018 Leinster Junior Chess Championships. 

Patryk Brozynski (9), from Swords, recorded an amazing achievement when he won titles at Under 10, 11 and 12 levels.

Patryk, a pupil at Holywell Educate Together National School (ETNS), became the first player to win three titles at a single Leinster Junior Chess Championship since Conor O’Donnell in 2011. 

The championships, organised by the Leinster School Chess Association, took place over four intensive days (January 1-4) at the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan.

Patryk played 24 matches over the four days, and also competed at Under 14 level. The precocious youngster’s latest success should come as no surprise as last year he was crowned the Ireland champion at U-10 level and will defend his title in April. 

Patryk will also be bringing his talents for the game to an international stage on February 3 when he travels to London as part of the Ireland squad that will be playing a team from Sussex.

Patryk’s mum, Iwona, who is originally from Poznan in Poland, said she is very proud of her son.

“He was initially interested in board games and when he was age seven, I introduced him to chess,” she said.

“Some kids his age can’t stay still for very long but he has great concentration levels.

“He wants to one day become a chess grandmaster. There is only one in Ireland at the moment, Alexander Baburin.”

Patryk’s sister Hanna (6) was among those cheering him on at the event.